Exeter boys set sights on defending Class L soccer title

After three seasons the Exeter High School boys soccer team finally reclaimed its spot atop the perch of Class L in 2006 as the champions with a 16-1-3 record.

Dan Doyon

After three seasons the Exeter High School boys soccer team finally reclaimed its spot atop the perch of Class L in 2006 as the champions with a 16-1-3 record.

Now, this year's flock of Blue Hawks will look to continue the tradition for what is poised to be the model soccer program for this decade.

Exeter started off the millennium by winning three straight Class L championships (2001-03) and also reached the 2004 title game. Making a run at a state title has become the rule, not the exception. This year appears to be no different.

Coach Jim Tufts enters his 31st season at the helm with another talented group, including 13 seniors poised to continue the run.

"We have a quite a bit of experience back," Tufts said. "We're a very balanced group and we should be in the hunt."

Exeter had a few chances at championships in the 1980s and '90s only to come up short. The dominance that has produced multiple All-State selections has been a result of the youth soccer explosion. Tufts credits the Seacoast United Soccer Club as a big influence on the program.

"It helps because by the time I get them they're ready," Tufts said. "That program has made a big difference."

The Blue Hawks had 127 kids try out this year, which makes replenishing an easier task. This year's squad has to replace the talents of All-New England selection Alex DeVittori, and All-State selections Mike Hackett, Graham Twitchell and Travis Provost.

At least Exeter knows it has three All-Staters coming back in goalkeeper Kyle Connolly, forward Sean Coleman and midfielder Sergio Guindon. The rest of the team gives Tufts plenty of options.

"We've got a lot of kids to choose from and it's very competitive to make this team," Tufts said. "There are kids that are on the (junior varsity) this year who'll be starting for me next year. It's a lot of depth to choose from."

Portsmouth High School had done its share of losing in its final years in Class L and nobody knew exactly what to expect when it joined the Class I party last season.

While the Clippers didn't set Class I on fire, they turned a corner in their quest to become a viable program. Portsmouth's 6-10-1 campaign — which included a playoff appearance — could have set a foundation for years to come.

That's the challenge first-year coach Zach Piper has in front of him this season. Piper has spent the past five years coaching in the Portsmouth program, including freshman, junior varsity and two years as a varsity assistant. So Piper knows how much the culture has changed when it comes to Portsmouth soccer.

"There's no doubt things have changed, we're thinking about a home playoff game this year," Piper said. "Everyone has a positive morale.

"There are no excuses," Piper added. "We have 14 seniors who can really play. It's up to us to show how good we can be."

Piper feels that his offense and defense are pretty much on par with each other, as both units have plenty of firepower. Tim Welch and Ashton Braun will lead the offense, with John Haslam, Reed Brown, Dan McGreevey and Matt Jones anchoring a strong defense.

"There will be more pressure than in years past, but it's my job to keep this team playing well."

Traip Academy coach Paul Marquis still hasn't come down from the high of last year's incredible run to the Maine Class C championship. After all, it was a streak that included a double-overtime, 14-round penalty kick win over North Yarmouth Academy in the Western Maine Class C title game and concluded with the state title win over Piscataquis.

This year's version of the Rangers returns 12 players who played valuable minutes in Traip's state title run, setting up what hopes to be another memorable season in Kittery.

"We've got a lot of experience coming back," Marquis said. "Hopefully they'll be able to use some of what they learned last year and apply it to this season."

It'll be a tougher regular season for Traip this year, which could provide dividends come playoff time. The Rangers face off against just four Class C opponents this season, with the rest of the schedule made up of Class A and B schools.

"They really gave us a tough schedule," Marquis said. "But we've got to win those games. We're playing teams like Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth and Freeport. We've just got to look to improve every game."

"I don't see us going 12-2, I'd be happy with a .500 record in this tough schedule and hopefully be in a position to make a run in the playoffs," Marquis added.

Junior forward Tyler Metevier returns after setting a school record with 21 goals last season. He'll be paired up with Trevor Higgins to create a formidable scoring duo.

Marquis thinks his offense will have to lead his squad until the defense and goalkeeping situations sort themselves out. Marquis has three options at goalie in an attempt to replace the graduated Connor Kuehl.

"We've certainly got a few questions to be answered," Marquis said. "We should score our fair share of goals and I think our offense will have to carry us until the defense learns their responsibilities."

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